EVOC Facility Progress Report

Over the last several weeks, the PSTI EVOC Project Workgroup has been meeting and fine tuning our planning and development of the new EVOC Facility.  As briefly as possible I'd like to share where we are at:

Our plans have been submitted to the City of San Diego Development Services Department as part of the Preliminary Review Process application.  The City will evaluate our application and report back to us in a few weeks.  Once we receive the City's report, we will fine tune our design plans for the next phase (design/build).

The PSTI member agencies have collectively completed development of our Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), a document which will guide the ongoing planning, building, operation and maintenance of the PSTI site at NTC.  Each entity is now briefing their respective executive and legal staff to ensure their respective administrative and operational needs have been met.  Ultimately, the Project Workgroup will present the MOU for formal approval and signatures at a future PSTI Board of Directors Meeting.
 
We were recently notified by staff from the San Diego Coastal Commission Office that previously obtained demolition permits were still, in fact, vested and valid for the majority of the buildings PSTI has identified to be razed next year.  The validity of these permits was a major concern to us due to their age.  Although we have some modifications to run through the City's Development Services Department due to our new project scope, the news that our demolition permits were valid was quite refreshing for the Project Team. 

Where does this leave us?  First, the MOU must be approved by our legal advisers and ultimately the PSTI Board of Directors.  Second, a separate college district project (Fire EMT Program Relocation) is awaiting approvals for planning and development.  Miramar College's Fire EMT Program currently resides in the Phase II demolition area of EVOC and must be moved to make way for construction.  Thirdly, once the City returns their report on the Preliminary Review of our plans, we will regroup to address each issue and assemble the Design/Build team.  Each one of these processes will take substantial time and effort to complete.

So when do we anticipate the Groundbreaking?  Our best estimate right now is in April of 2011, barring any complications.  We'll let everyone know as we get closer so keep an eye out for periodic updates on planning.